The Furniture Makers' Company

The Furniture Makers’ Company is the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry.

The charity was set up more than 100 years ago to help people who work or have worked in the furnishing industry in times of hardship, through one-off grants, time and support.

Who can apply to The Furniture Makers' Company?

The Furniture Makers’ Company welcomes applications from anyone with at least two years’ service in any part of the industry, including:

• People working for furniture manufacturers

• Cabinet makers

• Kitchen and bathroom fitters

• Retail sales people

• Upholstery workers

• Those working with beds, carpets or curtains. 

Applications from partners and dependents of deceased employees will also be considered.

Grants given by The Furniture Makers' Company

Grants can be awarded for:

• Essential household items 

• Essential household bills

• Funeral expenses

• Disabled adaptations

• Property repairs considered essential due to age, security or access

• Disabled/medical equipment

• Respite/convalescent breaks

• General financial hardship

• Pre-tenancy costs and removal costs.

What the Furniture Makers' Company doesn't fund

Current exclusions include:

• Assistance towards the clearance of consumer credit debt

• Bankruptcy fees and Debt Relief Orders

• Legal costs

• Private education fees

• Replacement of statutory funding

• Non-essential home improvements

• Ongoing financial assistance

• Loans of any kind

• Memorial stones

• Holidays.

Daniel’s story

Daniel was in his twenties when he was first diagnosed with cancer. At the age of 33, he had to have brain surgery for a new tumour, followed by 12 months of chemotherapy.

He and his partner, Jade, were in real financial difficulties while he was off work recuperating. The couple had been living in a rented flat, which was cold and damp and in a busy, noisy street.

The low door frames on the property also posed a risk to Daniel following his brain surgery. The council found them a more suitable housing association property. However, all their savings had been exhausted and they could not afford to pay the advance rent prior to moving in.

They were very worried about how they would manage and turned to The Furniture Makers’ Company for support. Having worked as a cabinet maker for 10 years and now employed as a Corian fabricator for Unique Fabrication, Daniel qualified for a grant.

Daniel was delighted when we agreed to help and he and his partner are now settled in their new flat. He is feeling much less stressed and better able to cope with the difficult times ahead as he continues his treatment.

How to get in touch with The Furniture Makers' Company

If you would like more information about the charity’s support, please call Robin Lomas, The Furniture Makers' Company Welfare Officer, on telephone: 020 7562 8528 or email: welfareofficer@furnituremakers.org.uk

Alternatively, there is information about how to apply on The Furniture Makers' Company's website

Photograph: Daniel and Jade. Copyright: The Furniture Makers' Charity and used with permission.